Yield

Yield

I have often thought that the word ‘yield’ could stand alone as a spiritual path. By definition, as a verb, yield means- “give way to arguments, demands, or pressure.”

When we were kids there was a large rock in our yard which became a natural play structure for my sisters, brothers, friends and me. “King of the Hill” was a popular afternoon game as we would try to toss each other off of the top of the rock and momentarily claim the title of ‘king’. Most days I’m amazed that we survived this rough and tumble childhood. Now that I stop to think about it, I wonder what that game aimed to teach generations of youngsters? Do what you can to get to the top and stay there? I wonder if a more fitting game might have been “Let’s Climb the Hill Together and Enjoy the View”.

 As the streets, stores, sidewalks, cities, beaches team with throngs of people, it seems as if we are drafted into a constant game of “King of the Hill”. Who can finagle their way into the parking space the fastest? Who can dash to the shortest supermarket line? Who can get out of the parking lot before anyone else? So many of us are in such a hurry-we’re stuck in an unending match of ‘King of the Hill”.

 A simple way out of that match is to simply “Yield”. Give way! Let someone else be first, fastest, top, king. Yield and let someone back out of their driveway or parking place or argument. Yield and remember that we all make mistakes sometimes, that at some point in time we may be in a new place and not know our way around-Yield!  As it has been said, it is more important to be kind than to be right.

 I have not heard of anyone playing ‘King of the Hill’ in recent years. I’m hoping they’re all climbing together and enjoying the view. Being alone at the top can be awfully lonely.